The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class-Chapter 405

"Madam, Great General, the Old Marquis and Old Marchioness are preparing to go out again. They said an old friend has passed away and they must pay their respects," reported the maidservants from outside.

Xu Wan replied, "Inform my father- and mother-in-law that the two of us are occupied with urgent matters and won't be joining them."

"Yes," the maid withdrew.

The "urgent matters" keeping Xu Wan and Zong Zhao busy turned out to be painting together in their room.

They wanted to capture the scene of the five young boys being disciplined by Su Xi. The scroll was horizontally elongated, perfect for group compositions, and the couple painted side by side—one on the left, the other on the right.

When he painted the grand study, she painted the young boys standing before it. When he painted the water spinach, she painted the eldest young master chasing after the little troublemaker. When he painted the small pavilion, she painted Mr. Su, munching on a flatbread while sarcastically enjoying the spectacle.

Both adhered to a realistic style, avoiding exaggerated strokes or expressions, faithfully capturing the true essence of the people and objects in the study.

Once the painting was complete and the ink had dried, Zong Zhao carefully mounted it and asked where she wanted it hung.

Xu Wan thought for a moment. "Let’s hang it in our room for a few days first. When they’re about to leave the examination hall, we’ll move it to the grand study."

Zong Zhao said considerately, "If you prefer, we don’t have to hang it in the study at all."

Xu Wan blinked. "They’ll like it too."

Zong Zhao gently stroked her brow and corrected softly, "Your own happiness should matter more than theirs. Yourself first, others later."

Warmth blossomed in Xu Wan’s heart, though she only replied, "Oh, I understand. But let’s still put it in the study. I’ll see it there and be happy too."

Zong Zhao nodded. "As you wish."

He stepped out to fetch nails and a small hammer, then, under Xu Wan’s direction, hung the horizontal painting on the back wall.

Beside it was their family portrait—a scene of the three of them studying by lamplight.

Xu Wan gazed at the two paintings and sighed. "They hold such meaning. Portraits are far more beautiful than landscapes—they carry stories and emotions."

Zong Zhao asked, "Who else would you like to paint? I’ll always make time to paint with you."

Xu Wan pondered. "After the imperial exams, I’d like to paint a group portrait of all the teachers and students from the advanced class."

Zong Zhao agreed. "That would probably take several days."

Their painting of the vegetable garden had already taken nearly an entire day. Such work required deep familiarity with the subjects and ample time.

Xu Wan mused, "True, it’s time-consuming. Maybe we’ll do it when we have more time—after the palace exams?"

Zong Zhao reminded her, "Didn’t you promise to take them to visit Mr. Su after the palace exams?"

"Oh, right… So little time, so much to do." Xu Wan grew anxious. If they didn’t paint it now, the moment might be lost forever.

Zong Zhao suggested, "Next March, during the spring provincial exams, won’t the teachers and students be locked in the examination hall for three days?"

Xu Wan’s spirits lifted instantly. "Then we’ll arrange it for those three days!"

"We’ll paint it together then."

"Agreed."

By evening, the couple left the estate to dine out. Though their household chefs were exceptional, eating at home every day grew dull, so Zong Zhao took her to a restaurant in town, where they strolled the streets afterward.

Xu Wan had been in high spirits all day, and even as they returned to the estate, her smile lingered. Hand in hand, they chatted and laughed, already planning their next outing.

The guards at the gate bowed in greeting.

Xu Wan noticed the estate was unusually brightly lit—far more than usual at this hour, when they would typically be preparing for bed.

Zong Zhao also sensed something amiss. "Do we have guests?"

A guard replied, "Great General, the Old Marquis and Old Marchioness returned from paying respects and brought back the Old Marquis’s cousin, Zong Qiyun."

"Zong Qiyun…" Zong Zhao’s grip tightened reflexively.

Xu Wan’s hand ached in his, but she bore it silently, sensing she knew exactly who this person was.

The Old Marquis had attended two funerals of old friends in quick succession. While he might not suspect anything, the third man would surely know the truth—because he was guilty.

All traces of warmth vanished from Zong Zhao’s expression, replaced by a chilling intensity. He turned to her. "Go back to our quarters. I’ll handle this."

But Xu Wan held his hand firmly and smiled. "Since it’s your uncle, it would be impolite not to greet him."

She was worried for Zong Zhao. freēnovelkiss.com

Though she didn’t know the full weight of his burdens, her instincts screamed that if she didn’t go with him, something would go wrong.

Zong Zhao repeated, "Go back. I’ll settle this quickly."

Xu Wan didn’t relent. Instead, she countered, "If you can handle it, why are you afraid of me coming along?"

He met her gaze, silent for a long moment.

"The Old Marchioness is there too. Why shouldn’t I be?" Xu Wan’s eyes were tender yet unyielding. "Husband and wife are one. We advance or retreat together. If you ask me to retreat today, will I always have to retreat?"

Her smile belied the gravity of her question: Will you let me stand beside you?

Zong Zhao had never kept secrets from her, and he wouldn’t start now. Raising their clasped hands, he murmured, "I just didn’t want to drag you into my unhappiness… But if you wish to come, let’s go together."

Xu Wan beamed. "That’s more like it. Together."

Arm in arm, they headed for the reception hall.

Zong Qiyun was deep in conversation with the Old Marquis when they entered. Spotting Zong Zhao, he called out boisterously, "Nephew! It’s been too long! You’ve grown even more imposing—truly worthy of the title Great General. Our Zong family’s pride!"

Zong Zhao nodded. "Uncle."

"Uncle," Xu Wan greeted with a polite smile.

Zong Qiyun turned his effusive praise on her. "Ah, niece-in-law! What a splendid match—graceful and dignified. My elder brother and sister-in-law have impeccable taste. You and my nephew make a perfect pair!"

Xu Wan acknowledged the compliment gracefully.

Zong Zhao watched his performance coldly.

The Old Marquis, baffled by his cousin’s exuberance, frowned. "Qiyun, did you have some falling-out with Congzhang?"

Their mutual friend Ma Congzhang had just passed away, yet Zong Qiyun showed no grief—only this eagerness to see Zong Zhao and now this excessive cheer. It felt unnatural.

Zong Qiyun waved a hand dismissively. "Elder brother, to be frank, I cut ties with Ma Congzhang long ago. And Zhao Yumin too! Both were greedy, untrustworthy men—hardly worth mourning."

"What?" The Old Marquis was stunned. "What happened between you?"

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